The AMIGA NU project, funded by Cultuurfonds, began in October 2024 with the goal of isolating defining characteristics of digital works created on Amiga computers and compiling an inventory of influential Amiga-based art. Initially released in 1985 by Commodore, Amiga computers quickly gained popularity, especially in Europe and the UK, where they became known for their advanced graphics and sound capabilities, providing artists with unprecedented creative tools.

In the Netherlands, LI-MA (formerly Montevideo) supported early access to Amiga computers, allowing artists to work with cutting-edge hardware otherwise inaccessible due to high costs. This collaborative environment cultivated a network of artists and experts, fostering a knowledge-sharing community that amplified the Amiga’s reach.

Despite its innovation, Commodore closed the Amiga division in 1994, with the Amiga 4000 marking the end of the line. Since then, accessing and identifying works made on Amiga computers has become challenging, as original media have been transferred to new formats and technical know-how has gradually faded. This five-month AMIGA NU project aims to address these gaps by cataloguing significant Dutch computer art from the 1980s and 1990s, identifying missing pieces in LI-MA’s own collection, and developing a standardised model to describe and categorise Amiga works.

The project’s timeline includes public outreach and knowledge-sharing efforts, with a final workshop scheduled for March to gather insights and share findings. Regular updates and publications will be made available at LI-MA’s public space, Living Media Art.

If you have personal experience with Amiga computers or know of notable Amiga artworks, we invite you to share your insights. Please reach out via the contact form below. Your contributions will support the preservation and celebration of this pivotal chapter in digital art history.